If you thought the internet was done springing surprises on you, think again. TikTok, that perennial ground zero for viral absurdities, has introduced us to the NPC livestream trend. Let me break it down for those not yet “blessed” by the experience.

What’s the Fuss All About?

NPC stands for non-player character, a term borrowed from the video gaming world. In games, these NPCs have preset dialogues, rigid responses, and no actual autonomy—essentially they’re part of the game’s programmed landscape. Now, on TikTok, real humans are mimicking these NPCs. Imagine logging onto a stream to see someone spouting pre-set phrases like “Ice cream so good” when presented with a virtual ice cream gift. I know, it sounds like something out of a low-budget sci-fi film, but it’s real, and it’s gaining traction.

The NPC role play niche has been simmering for a while on TikTok, with creators channeling characters from iconic games like Grand Theft Auto and Skyrim, mastering their robotic mannerisms and eerie quirks. But the recent live-streamers have injected a layer of interactivity into this niche. What’s the catch, you ask? Perhaps it’s the sheer unpredictability cloaked in repetition. These streams strip the gift-reaction genre down to its raw essence, eliminating the layers others might add, be it playing a game, diving into political rants, or straight-up comedy. It’s all bright lights and entrancing loops, until out of the blue, you’re hit with a curveball like, “Got me feeling like a cowgirl!” Suddenly, you’re hooked, waiting for the next unexpected twist in a plotless digital play.

Rising Stars in the NPC Universe

The realm of TikTok NPC live streaming has its shining stars, and one of the brightest is PinkyDoll. This woman is spending a whopping six hours daily on the platform, generating upwards of $7k on a good day. That’s a stark rise from her initial earnings of $250 daily when she began. And if you thought this trend was some niche internet subculture, big names like Trisha Paytas, known for her eclectic internet presence, have jumped on board.

Thanks to PinkyDoll, every time I carry out some mundane task at home, I find myself muttering, “yes yes yes!” My hair straightener has unexpectedly become a popcorn maker. Suddenly, I’m consuming copious amounts of ice cream – I don’t even like ice cream!

The PinkyDoll phenomenon has me in a chokehold, and by the looks of it, the rest of Tiktok is equally entranced.

Hailing from Montreal, PinkyDoll is the mastermind behind the “NPC” TikTok Live streams. In these, she delivers swift reactions to virtual gifts—like ice cream cones, roses, or finger hearts—that her audience showers her with, all appearing as delightful animations on the screen. It’s not just about playful animations, though; these gifts are tokens of real currency. Viewers buy tokens via TikTok, which the creators can later exchange for cold, hard cash. This trend, often referred to as “NPC streaming,” draws inspiration from the video game NPCs, characters recognised for their predictable dialogues and mechanical motions. The entire spectacle is nothing short of hypnotic. And as is often the case when female creators make a fortune online by simply holding the audience’s gaze, there’s been backlash. Just this past weekend, NPC streamers surged on TikTok Live. Countless users emulated PinkyDoll’s unique style, either replicating her iconic quirks or adding their own flavour to the mix.

A Quick Glance at the Mechanics

NPC streamers are reminiscent of those video game characters with a limited set of programmed actions or sayings. On TikTok, their reactions are driven by the digital “gifts” they receive — be it virtual ice cream cones, roses, or chili peppers. These tokens aren’t just virtual fun; they translate to real money, with costs varying from mere pennies to a hefty $40.

PinkyDoll is raking in up to $7,000 daily from these streams after her viral ascent — that’s a potential $2.5 million annually if she maintains this pace. But what’s the allure? Why are folks willingly splashing their cash on this? The rule of the internet states: if it exists, someone will find a way to sexualise it.

Sure, some viewers might derive a certain… thrill from these streams. However, most of the audience, including high-profile names like Timbaland, probably aren’t in it for that. One solid indicator is the relative absence of this “fetish” on platforms like Reddit. Practically every unique fetish, regardless of its obscurity, finds a home on a particular subreddit. While there are communities centred around “hypnosis” or adult livestreams, a subreddit dedicated to the erotic side of NPC livestreams is notably missing.

The dopamine hit comes from thr rapid-fire responses to gifts, with creators maintaining a robotic persona, never missing a beat. Every gift, be it an ice cream cone, a GG icon, or a cowboy hat, has its response. However, it’s when they break this NPC character that TikTok truly erupts. A video of Pinkydoll, amidst her hours-long stream, pausing to instruct a child to go to bed? That’s worth 230k likes in TikTok currency.

It’s undeniable that there’s an allure, perhaps even a hint of sensuality, associated with NPC livestreams. Many draw parallels between these streams and ASMR, another popular trend on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. In ASMR videos, creators use hushed tones and craft unique sounds to soothe their audience. And even if the content is entirely PG, some have managed to overlay a layer of sensuality to it. Typically, ASMR artists are attractive young women who craft a persona that feels like it’s tailor-made for you. Whether they’re portraying a compassionate buddy, a nurturing masseuse, or a meticulous receptionist, the goal is simple: to make you feel at ease. NPC livestreams are the stripped-down version of this — send a token, get a response. And that’s why fans are more than willing to toss a virtual rose to PinkyDoll.

It’s worth noting that several NPC creators also dabble in ASMR and more mature content. For instance, CherryCrush, another viral sensation from last week, boasts over a million subscribers on her ASMR-centric YouTube channel. PinkyDoll has an active OnlyFans account, and she’s often promoted it on her earlier TikTok videos that aren’t about NPC. Still, neither CherryCrush nor PinkyDoll blend NPC role play into their ASMR or OnlyFans content. They stand as separate entities, each marking a distinct point on the virtual sensuality continuum. It’s easy to take a pessimistic view.

Maybe we’re just digital rodents, incessantly clicking for our next dopamine dose. This could be perceived as the ultimate digital exchange, or perhaps entertainment in its most basic form. But is it really that far removed from the traditional ways we’ve sought pleasure? It taps into age-old instincts, whether it’s the joy of adhering to or giving orders, the satisfaction of gifting someone, or simply the delight of watching an attractive individual entertain. Even if the NPC wave eventually wanes—which currently shows no signs of happening—the underlying desires driving its popularity will persist.

The Evolutionary Link to Past Trends

This NPC trend didn’t appear out of the blue. TikTok’s strict guidelines keep content on the straight and narrow, but the “reacting to gifts” format harks back to older online sex work trends where performers react to viewer tips. Today’s versions are seen on platforms like Twitch and Bilibili. The majority of these streamers are female, and it raises intriguing discussions about the interplay between audience interaction and the voyeuristic act of viewing.

Critiques, Praise, and Public Reactions

The internet, as usual, is polarised. Memes and jokes surround the NPC trend. Some are ribbing it while others, in awe of PinkyDoll’s herculean streaming stamina, laud her efforts. PinkyDoll’s numbers speak for themselves—a staggering 1 million views on a singular livestream.

In wrapping this up, TikTok’s NPC trend is emblematic of the digital age’s unpredictability. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the app serves another curveball. And while some may dismiss it as just another fleeting internet fad, the cultural underpinnings, massive engagement, and profits it’s churning suggest there’s more beneath the surface. If anything, it’s a testament to the internet’s unparalleled ability to continually redefine entertainment. Dive in at your own risk; the digital rabbit hole is deeper than you think. #TikTokTrends #DigitalWonderland